William T. Hornaday awards (adult Scouter)

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William T. Hornaday Awards are presented for distinguished service in natural resource conversation for units, Scouts, Venturers, and Scouters. Adult Scouters may be nominated for recognition for conservation work to the BSA national, regional and local council for a William T. Hornaday award.

Contents

Award Requirements

William T. Hornaday Gold Medal

William T. Hornaday Gold Medal. The Hornaday Gold medal is worn around the neck.

The William T. Hornaday Gold Medal is the BSA's highest individual conservation award presented to an adult Scouter.

The gold medal is by nomination only and is awarded to an adult Scouter. It recognizes unusual and distinguished service in natural resource conservation and environmental improvement at the regional, national, or international level. Nominations must be approved by the Hornaday Awards Committee and by the Conservation Committee of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America. Any recognized conservation/environmental organization may submit a nomination. The award includes the gold medal, a certificate, and an embroidered square knot. Six gold medals may be awarded annually.

William T. Hornaday Gold Badge

William T. Hornaday Gold Badge. The Hornaday Gold Badge is pinned immediately above the seam of the left pocket.

The gold badge is by nomination only and is awarded by the local council to an adult Scouter. The nominee should have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to the education of youth on a council or district level for significant conservation efforts for a period of at least three years. Nominations are made to the local council. The award includes the gold badge and a certificate.

Notes

Conservation and the Boy Scouts of America have been partners for a long time. Camping, hiking, and respect for the outdoors are a part of the Scouting heritage. Many of the requirements for advancement in Scouting call for an increasing awareness and understanding of the natural sciences. Many former Scouts have become leaders in conserving our environment and protecting it from abuse. Right now Scouts are involved in learning about environmental problems and actively working to make a difference.

This awards program was created to recognize those that have made significant contributions to conservation. It was begun in 1917 by Dr. William T. Hornaday, director of the New York Zoological Park and founder of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Dr. Hornaday was an active and outspoken champion of natural resource conservation and a leader in saving the American bison from extinction.

The Hornaday Awards are highly prized by those who have received them: Only slightly more than a thousand medals have been awarded over the past 70 years. These awards represent a substantial commitment of time and energy by individuals who have learned the meaning of a conservation/environmental ethic. Any Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer willing to devote the time and energy to work on a project based on sound scientific principles and guided by a conservation professional or a well-versed layperson can qualify for one of the Hornaday Awards. Any of the awards will take months to complete, so activities should be planned well in advance.